Former Soviet Union (MNN) — 2020 brought a global pandemic that has killed millions, wrecked economic structures, and brought intense hardship for people around the globe.
Eric Mock with the Slavic Gospel Association says countries in the former Soviet Union have suffered as much as any other place. But local Christians have also seen unprecedented ministry opportunities during the pandemic. “There is no one that I speak to that doesn’t talk about this last year being one of the most difficult years of their lives. But in the midst of this, amazing doors have opened up for the Gospel. Through SGA, we’re helping churches provide upwards of 200,000 meals per month. And that has resulted in millions of meals served. [These Christians have] served close to 4 million meals now since the pandemic started.”
Gospel witness
As they bring food to people’s homes, these Christians share the hope of the risen Christ. Mock says, “Some estimates show the Gospel has been shared about 50,000 times or more. And through this, we’re finding people coming to faith that would have never been interested in hearing from a church. [They wouldn’t] even walk through the doors of a church.”
“So what could be seen as the worst of years actually can be seen as the best of years for the sake of the Gospel.”
You can find your place in this story. SGA supports these local churches through the Christ over COVID program. By donating, you can supply these local Christians with meals for their ministry.
The header photo shows a snowy road in Siberia. (Photo courtesy of Olga Martynova from Pixabay)